Rural Crime Week of Action

Sunday 6th – Sunday 13th October

The National Rural Crime Network is supporting the Rural Crime Week of Action being organised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and forces across the country.

The aim of the week is to put the work being done to identify and tackle rural and wildlife crime in the spotlight and encourage more support for the efforts ensure communities across rural Britain are safe and feel safe.

Julia Mulligan, Chair of the National Rural Crime Network, said:

“Rural communities are too often ignored by those in positions of power because they’re hidden from view. I hope this Week of Action allows us to shine a light on the issues they face with crime and anti-social behaviour challenges just like any other part of the country, but also being more vulnerable because of their isolation and distance from support services of all kinds.

“Despite the passionate and professional police officers who serve communities day-in, day-out, we need government and all national organisations to better understand, represent and stand up for the 10.3 million people who live in rural areas.”

The National Rural Crime Network’s last national survey in 2018 examined the true state of crime and policing in rural communities. Its findings can be seen at www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/survey.

See more about what is happening in your area by searching for your local police force and Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.

You are invited to watch a free performance of ‘In the Net’ by the AlterEgo Theatre Group which your child (years 3 & 4) may also be watching through their school (subject to availability). This production is part of ongoing work by the police, councils, NHS and others, who are continuing to work hand-in-hand to support children to stay safe online and to tackle Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

The internet is an amazing tool which opens the door on a global scale to social and learning opportunities. Most children access the internet from a very early age including via games consoles, and we must therefore teach children how to stay safe online in the same way that we teach them to cross the road.

‘In the Net’ is a fun and entertaining pantomime which raises the profile of internet safety and cyber-bullying. The play has been shown to hundreds of children around the UK and was also shown to a sample of local primary schools in February 2017. It was very positively received. ‘In the Net’ is designed to introduce and explore concepts such as:

• Safe internet use
• Keeping personal information safe
• The effects of cyber-bullying on others
• What to do if you are being cyber-bullied
• What to do when you get that ‘Uh-Oh!’ feeling
• What to do if you have questions or concerns
• Two evening performances have been secured for parents and carers only, you can book directly via the links below, please book early to avoid disappointment. The performance will be followed by a brief presentation by local authority safeguarding lead(s).
• Further information about the play and about AlterEgo Theatre Group can be found at: http://www.alteregocreativesolutions.co.uk/inthenet/

1. Retro Suite – Thursday 25^th January 2018 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-the-net-performance-for-parents-tickets-41825254462
2. Melton Theatre – Tuesday 20^th February 2018 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-in-the-net-performance-for-parents-tickets-41825383849

“Ask the Police” App – Ask the Police is an App that answers many questions that commonly come through to the Call Management Department.Please see the link below for more information:

https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/advert/AdvertPage.mth?advertid=110